BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
February 25, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Harrison called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at Countryside Park. Members present: Margaret Bratton, Catherine Durdan, Tom Gugliotti, Bill Hooper, Jim Speich, Tom Harrison and Brett Eisenlohr.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Chairman Harrison.
III. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE
Chairman Harrison welcomed Alison Sturgeon, the new clerk.
David Goldsholl, 57 Old Kings Road, stated that he attended the Avon Taxpayers Association (ATA) meeting. He stated that it was interesting to hear their opinions regarding more Board collaboration, the ability to expand the Charter of the BOF, and comments regarding best practices where money might be saved.
IV. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS: January 28, 2008
On a motion by Mr. Gugliotti, seconded by Ms. Bratton, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance approved the minutes of January 28, 2008.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Eisenlohr, and Mmes. Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
V. OLD BUSINESS
06/07-21 Review and Discussion FY 08/09 Budget: Set Budget Public Hearing Date (April 7) and Workshop Dates after Public Hearing
Chairman Harrison asked Mr. Eisenlohr to comment on the Avon Taxpayers Association (ATA) meeting, which he attended. Mr. Eisenlohr stated that he went to the meeting to listen to the citizens in Town. He felt that the meeting was very interesting at which many good points were made. Chairman Harrison stated that there were approximately 25 people who attended the meeting, along with many elected officials. One of the topics discussed were complaints regarding the revaluations that took place 4 years ago. He stated that there is a real need to get information out to residents prior to the next revaluation. There was a great deal of confusion among residents as to what the Assessor’s office and the contractor look at. As a result of this meeting, there has
been a request that a meeting be held with Mr. DerAsadourian and the company that will be doing the field work to have several public meetings in the spring. Chairman Harrison agreed that the public needs a better understanding of the revaluation process.
Other topics discussed at the meeting were the budget. Many people voiced their concerns and that they wanted the budget defeated. Another topic was how the Board could look into saving money. There was a suggestion regarding AP classes at the high school and joining up with other Towns in sharing this responsibility and cost. Chairman Harrison stated that one challenge is that Avon is doing many things regarding cost sharing that the residents just don’t know about. He gave several examples of what the Town is doing to save money.
Mr. Gugliotti stated his concerns regarding people reacting to budget numbers without knowing the facts. He feels that this Board has a difficult task ahead of them to let people know why a certain smaller increase might not work. Mr. Hooper wondered if Avon residents did not want a certain budget increase, if they would be willing to accept fewer services.
Mr. Speich stated his concerns that during the presentations at the public hearings, it needs to be clearer regarding how the Town Council and the Board of Education try to save money. He feels that this has not been clear in the past.
Chairman Harrison stated that there would be a meeting held on Saturday, March 1st at 8:30 p.m. at the Middle School for the Town Council, the Board of Education and Board of Finance to come together. The Boards will be making presentations, which should include cost saving efforts. Regarding public participation at this meeting, residents will have the opportunity to write their questions down, and the Boards, at the end of this meeting, will have a chance to read and respond to them.
On a motion by Mr. Hooper, seconded by Mr. Gugliotti, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance formally established April 7, 2008 as the public hearing date, which will be held at the Senior Center.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Eisenlohr and Mmes. Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
The members of the Board of Finance agreed to set two dates for the workshops. The second date would be on an “if necessary” basis. The workshop dates were set for April 9, 2008 and April 10, 2008. The workshops will be held at the Library Community Room as an alternate location if the Avon Room is still not available.
Regarding the pending budget, Chairman Harrison stated that he would like to have a handout, regarding assessments, in time for the public hearing, which would show residents the various levels of tax increases, including car payments. This would help people see what certain increases will cost them.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
07/08-12 Review, Discussion and Acceptance: FY 06/07 Audit (Previously Distributed)
07/08-13 Appoint Auditor: FY 07/08
Chairman Harrison deferred Item VI. to the March meeting.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no Executive Session.
Chairman Harrison reopened the communications from the audience.
Barbara Zuras, 428 Deercliff Road, stated that she also attended the Avon Taxpayers Association (ATA) meeting. She was impressed with the Board members when she spoke to them one on one. They were more understanding and less hostile than when talking as a group. At the meeting, it was mentioned that there are many AP courses available on-line for the high school students with the necessary equipment and software.
Clyde Douglas, 21 Arlington Drive, questioned if the Board of Finance knew what the break-even point would be, if there was an increase in order to keep the status quo. Mr. Gugliotti stated that the presentations will show this. Mr. Douglas stated that the meeting, which is being held this Saturday, will demonstrate how the Boards are willing to come together.
Susan Norman, 277 Cider Brook Road, stated that she has been attending the Board of Education meetings, and she feels that the schools have been working very hard to bring down their expenses. She stated her concerns that Avon cannot let their schools fall apart because residents are unwilling to vote for a tax increase. In response, Mr. Gugliotti stated that they need to have a budget that the people will approve. A budget is useless if people do not approve it.
Linda Merlin, 48 High Gate Drive, stated that no doubt this is a difficult year for many reasons including less financial growth in Avon. She asked the Board of Finance to consider a different approach in presenting the budget as taxes equaling services, instead of taxes equaling dollars.
Beth Ferrari, 25 Cotswold Way, stated that in the Valley Book, she saw a list of comparative taxes. She stated that Avon was the lowest on the list. She does not believe that residents realize this; this is pertinent information that needs to get out to residents. She questioned if there were any large projects that might make an impact to Avon. Town Manager, Phil Schenck stated that Avon does not have much commercial zoned land available for large complexes. He stated that although there are some things being talked about, there is nothing large enough to impact Avon this coming year or even next year. The Board continued to discuss this issue.
Rosalyn Telfer, 104 Somerset Drive, questioned how much it was going to cost to run the new addition at the high school. Mr. Gugliotti stated that the Board of Education will be breaking down the numbers for this.
IX. ADJOURN
On a motion by Mr. Hooper, seconded by Mr. Eisenlohr, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Eisenlohr and Mmes. Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Secretary
Attest: Alison Sturgeon, Clerk
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